New labor data released on Thursday by the Georgia Department of Labor shows Chattooga County continues to see a higher share of workers filing unemployment claims compared to neighboring counties, as overall unemployment remains steady heading into the spring.
Ongoing fighting in the Middle East is driving oil prices higher, which is pushing gas prices up across Georgia and the nation. However, Georgia’s gas tax suspension is helping slow how quickly prices are rising.
Unemployment rates across Chattooga, Floyd, and Walker counties remained relatively stable in recent data, reflecting continued steady job conditions in Northwest Georgia heading into the spring.
Rising diesel prices are creating new concerns for businesses and industry across Chattooga County and Northwest Georgia, especially for trucking, construction, farming, and manufacturing operations that depend on fuel to keep equipment moving and goods delivered. Higher fuel costs are making it more expensive for companies to transport materials, run heavy equipment, and manage day-to-day operations.
Several factors are helping drive diesel prices higher, including increases in crude oil prices, tighter global fuel supplies, refinery maintenance and outages, and growing seasonal demand tied to freight, agriculture, and construction activity. Geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions can also add pressure to fuel markets, causing prices to rise even faster.
For local businesses, those higher diesel costs can quickly lead to more expensive deliveries, increased equipment expenses, and tighter budgets for companies already dealing with inflation and other rising costs. When diesel prices go up, the effects are often felt well beyond the fuel pump, eventually impacting shipping, construction, materials, food prices, and other goods across the region.
As of yesterday, diesel prices across Northwest Georgia were averaging between $4.68 – $4.92 per gallon.
The owner of the only restaurant in the Town of Lyerly has announced that Lyerly Drive Thru is being offered for sale, citing retirement planning and family commitments.
In a statement, the owner said the decision was made after thoughtful consideration and with retirement in mind. Family obligations are also prompting the owner to spend more time at home.
The owner described the listing as a great opportunity for someone interested in owning and operating a business in Lyerly.
According to the announcement, the sale will include the land, equipment and other essentials needed to continue operations. The owner also said the business will continue operating as usual during the sale process and that assistance will be provided to help the buyer get started when the time comes.
Drivers in Chattooga County and surrounding Northwest Georgia and Northeast Alabama counties are seeing gas prices rise this week as global and seasonal factors push fuel costs higher.
Georgia drivers are seeing familiar numbers at the pump this week, as the state’s average gas price remains unchanged from last week. As of Monday, the average is holding at $2.66 per gallon, though motorists could still see minor day-to-day fluctuations depending on location and timing.













